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Villa continue to pursue Abel Hernandez from Hull with wild speculation now entering the arena as the transfer deadline looms. Â
With the newly promoted side in relative disarray following a protracted takeover and Steve Bruce walking, Villa have been testing the water with bids in the region of £14m. Â
Such is the rumoured desire to bring him to the club, it has led to some [less reputable] outlets to suggest that Tony Xia is prepared to table up to £20m (including add ons) for the Uruguayan. Â
Astonishing if accurate, but stranger things have happened.
We are certainly in the market for a striker (or two) with the squad looking light beyond the first eleven and Gestede plus Ayew due to travel to the African Cup of Nations.
Anderlecht striker Stefano Okaka, linked heavily to Villa Park in recent days, has opted to join Premier League side Watford. Â Relegation was always going to put us at a disadvantage in our chase for signings and former Fulham & Italian international slipping through the net could represent a set back in bolstering the strike force.
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Another consistent link from the early summer was to Chelsea’s perennial loanee Patrick Bamford. Â
Bamford, who enjoyed earlier success on loan in The Championship with Middlesbrough is in demand, after limited spells at Palace & Norwich. Â
Similarly to Okaka, Villa again appear to have been pipped owing to the offer of Premier League football from Burnley, who will take the 22 year old on loan for the season.
As if Villa could afford to lose another striker, Jordan Ayew’s future is increasingly uncertain.  After another disappointing performance against Bristol City, notably not celebrating the Villa goal with his team-mates, Ayew could well be set for pastures new.
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News reports in Greece hint that Ayew may be on his way to Olympiacos, initially on loan. Â Whilst Ayew has shown glimpses of quality, he is inconsistent and ill-disciplined on the field. Â
With that said, it would be a surprise to see any movement in the absence of Villa recruiting an replacement.
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